Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Cemetery Management topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Residents press Selectboard over defunct Bradley Cemetery Association and $15,000 fund
Summary
Residents urged action after town officials said a defunct Bradley Cemetery Association has left $15,000 in trust that the town cannot access until the association is revived or legally dissolved.
A large group of residents told the Town of Fairfield Selectboard on June 22 that Bradley Cemetery needs regular upkeep and clarity about a $15,000 fund held in trust. Town Administrator Cathy Ainsworth said the Bradley Cemetery Association appears inoperative and that, because the association lacks active officers, the town cannot legally access the funds for maintenance.
Ainsworth told the board the town has held the cemetery fund for more than a decade but the association must either be reinstated with at least three active officers in good standing with the Secretary of State or be legally dissolved so responsibility can transfer to the town. Albert Morey said he was concerned that money exists but mowing and upkeep have not been consistent. Bill Fairchild, who identified himself as one of the remaining association members, said, “I am what is left of the Association. There are forms that need filing to reinstate or dissolve the association.”
Several residents described volunteer cleanup efforts. Harold Garrett of Swanton said the cemetery “looks amazing” compared with its recent condition since community attention increased. Michelle Frennier described helping remove broken trees and urged further community outreach to address remaining tree work. Selectboard member Brian Dubie said the town “probably” would take responsibility if the association is dissolved, noting the town has assumed care for other cemeteries in the past. Ainsworth and Dubie reiterated the legal constraint: without the association’s paperwork or a dissolution, the town cannot withdraw or expend the $15,000 trust funds.
The next steps discussed were community-led revival of the association (by filing the required forms and registering officers with the Secretary of State) or formally dissolving the association so the town can assume upkeep. The Selectboard reiterated it can advise residents on the legal process but cannot unilaterally access or reassign the trust funds.
